Smoke.
Thick, dark smoke curling up from the far side of the house.
For half a second, my brain refused to process it.
Then my stomach dropped.
“Stop,” I said sharply. “Pull over.”
Because their house was on fire.
22
THEO
“Call 9-1-1,”I told the driver as I pushed the door open. “There’s a fire. Give them the address.”
He was already reaching for his phone as I bolted from the car.
I unlocked mine while running up the sidewalk and hit Nora’s name.
It rang.
And rang.
Come on, Nora.
Lucy was safe across town. I’d just checked.
But Nora’s Jeep was here.
Smoke curled thicker along the back of the house, dark against the night sky.
Voicemail.
I hung up and called again.
Maybe her phone was on Do Not Disturb. Sometimes it would push through on the second call.
I took the steps two at a time and pounded on the door with my freehand.
“Nora!” I shouted. “Open the door!”
The phone kept ringing.
No answer.
I hit the door harder. “If anyone’s inside, get out!”
But there was nothing.
I looked over my shoulder.
Her Jeep was still parked at the curb.
No, no, no.
Please don’t leave me.The thought came sharp and uninvited.